Welcome

It is very likely that you will recognize parts of many symphonies, concertos and choral works (classical music performed by an orchestra, vocal soloist, or choir). Music written by the great classical composers used more and more often in movie soundtracks, television shows, and commercials.

No. One of the great joys of going to a WSO concert is being introduced to a great piece of music you've never heard before, or listening to a superb performance of a piece you haven't heard in years.

Some regular concert-goers do find they appreciate the performance more if they listen to a recording of the piece before the concert, so they can better anticipate their favorite parts, or listen for virtuoso playing of the more difficult passages. And many audience members find it enhances their enjoyment of the music if they take the time before the performance to read the notes in the program about the composer and the pieces that are to be played. On the WSO website, we post each concert's program notes on the page for that concert. Also, the house lights are left up specifically to allow concertgoers to read and reference their program notes during the performance.

Attending a WSO concert is always a special occasion; therefore, most patrons enjoy dressing up a bit. Today's standards for business formal dress or business casual dress are both acceptable for concerts. Casual wear such as shorts and t-shirts are discouraged. After all, the musicians will be wearing their finest. It is also recommended that patrons refrain from using strong perfumes and colognes so as not to distract the patrons sitting around you. Formal dress - evening gowns and tuxedos - are generally worn only to our gala.

In short, we suggest that you dress as though you were going to your favourite restaurant for a relaxing evening with your friends.

We try our best to begin all concerts on time. If you will not be attending our pre-concert lecture, we suggest you arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the concert is scheduled to begin. That will give you ample time to find your seat, relax, read the Program Notes, and watch the musicians as they take the stage.

Ticket holders who come late will not be seated until after the conclusion of the first work on the program. Concertgoers who must leave the hall before or during the playing of a piece will not be reseated until after that piece is concluded.

Program length varies, but a typical Windsor Symphony Orchestra performance lasts about two hours, including one intermission.

Programs created specifically for children are shorter in length. For example, our series for very young children, Peanut Butter n'Jam, last for 30 minutes with no intermission.

In consideration of the performers and fellow concertgoers, we ask that you remain in your seat until the concert has ended.

Many works in classical music have three to four movements or sections. A short pause usually falls in between each of them. It has become customary over time not to not to disrupt the continuity of the music by applauding between movements (during these pauses).

To find out the number of movements in a piece, turn to the program page in your program book. You will find that each work is subdivided by movement, usually indicated by tempo markings in Italian. After the last movement, the conductor will turn and face the audience and you may clap to your heart's content.

Patrons carrying cell phones, wearing alarm watches and/or electronic paging systems are requested to turn them off before entering the concert hall. Please contact the WSO Front of House Manager before entering the auditorium if emergency notification might be required.

No still photography, video cameras or tape recorders are permitted.

From time to time we invite community group to perform with us. If you wish to photograph members of your group on stage, permission must be obtained ahead of time through our Director of Operations, Sarah Boonstra. She can be reached at 519-973-1238 ex. 20.

Please note: Flash photography can distrupt the ability of our maestro and musicians to see the music and is dangerous for any group or individual walking or dancing during a performance and is absolutely forbidden.

Absolutely no video recording of our performances is allowed under any circumstances. If you wish to photograph your group on stage, permission must be obtained ahead of time thorugh our Director of Operations, Sarah Boonstra. She can be reached at 519-973-1238 ex. 20.

Older children are welcome at WSO concerts. A child needs to be old enough to sit still and quietly for two hours.

Our Peanut Butter n'Jam series was created for children 1-6, and we will have family concerts that are shorter and more conducive to a child's attention span. Every child, regardless of age, must have a ticket to attend one of our performances.

Please no babies in arms or strollers (with the exception of Peanut Butter n'Jam).

If you cannot attend a concert or wish to see a performance in another series, you can take advantage of our exchange policy and exchange your tickets for any other upcoming show in that season.

Exchanges can only be made for tickets to another concert within the same season and are subject to availability. Please note that additional cost for seating upgrades may apply; exchanges may be limited on some performances. Tickets may only be exchanged once, exchanged tickets cannot be exchanged a second time.

All exchanges must be made in person no later than 48 hours prior to the concert date. You may not exchange unused tickets for a concert that has already occurred. The ticket exchange fee is waived for subscribers.

Please call Patron Services, 519-973-1238 ex. 16 for more information.

The WSO makes every attempt to begin concerts on time. In deference to the comfort and listening pleasure of the audience in the hall, latecomers will not be seated until after the conclusion of the first work on the program, and there will be no seating break during any work.

Patrons who leave the hall before or during a work will not be reseated until after the work is completed. Your usher will alert you as soon as it is possible to be seated. Announcements are made to indicate that the concert is about to begin. Latecomers will be able to watch the performance on closed-circuit television from the lobby.

If tickets are lost, call Patron Services at 519-973-1238 ex. 16. We will verify the purchase through our records and issue a seating voucher.

Patrons may then pick up the voucher from the Patron Services table prior to the concert. These vouchers cannot be exchanged. The lost ticket policy does not apply to tickets already exchanged.